Data Security Proposal Wins First PCMA North American Student Competition
December 18, 2018
A team of hospitality students from Kansas State University in Kansas won PCMA’s inaugural Business Events Industry Student Challenge for proposing how to protect personal data of people attending business events.
Members of the winning team were Brooks Hetle, Bailey Brown, Andie Contreras, Tia Gamble and Cameryn Rasmussen.
They were advised by Kristin Malek, an assistant professor of hospitality management.
Nearly two dozen collegiate teams from across the United States submitted proposals for the competition, which tested student knowledge and understanding of issues and trends affecting the business events industry.
Five finalists were selected to present their proposals in a live competition.
PCMA created this competition to engage students pursuing careers in the business events industry and provide a networking and mentorship platform for professional growth.
“It was powerful to see the passion and knowledge students in the meetings and business events industry put into their presentations and experience the engagement they have for the industry,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, president and CEO of PCMA, and one of the competition’s six judges.
He added, “It was difficult to choose a winning team as all five finalists have certainly impressed our panel of industry experts, but we felt the students from Kansas State University did an amazing job with their proposal.”
The Kansas State University team will be hosted by PCMA Education Foundation to present their proposal of using block chain to minimize cyberhacking at business events at PCMA University during PCMA’s signature event, Convening Leaders from Jan. 6-9, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Runners up to PCMA’s Student Challenge competition included two teams from Metropolitan State University in Denver, a team from Indiana University-Purdue University (IUPUI) in Indianapolis and a team from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
The Metropolitan State University team of Julia Whaley, Kathleen Wilhite, Qiesha Lewis, Otto Jose, Jaycee Dahl, Christina Bekhova, Elise Teuber, Brieana Lewis and Stephanie Sianez, and was advised by Shinyong Jung, assistant professor of event and meeting management.
The IUPUI team of Nick Fuchs, Ethan Garcia, Maria Jaramillo, Vijay Melwani and Allie Wigginton was advised by Godwin “Charles” Ogbeide, associate professor and director of IUPUI’s Events and Tourism Institute.
The Iowa State University team of Caroline Ennes, Hallie Farrell, Dalton Wulf, Ali Baumann, Dallas Ott and Mallory Smith was advised by Eric Olson, assistant professor in the department of apparel, events and hospitality management.
Judges in addition to Karamat were Eduardo Chaillo, CEO of Global Meetings and Tourism Specialists LLC; Kati Quigley, senior director of partner marketing for Microsoft Corp.; Angie Ranalli, vice president of sales, Midwest region for San Diego Tourism Authority; and Carol Krugman, partner of Krugman Maller LLC. The live competition was moderated by Derrick M. Johnson, senior director of meetings for The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers.
For more information and to register for PCMA Convening Leaders 2019, visit conveningleaders.org.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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